Came across this clip of circa '93 downhill racing action. The era of little suspension and a lotta nerve. Downhill bikes have a come a long way since '93, back then 3 inches of suspension was plenty. Bar ends ruled and lycra shorts worked everywhere. People actually downhill racing hardtails. What a (painful) concept.
Check out the high tech starting device, euro dude with the Fat City hat, various early suspension designs, and old school heros Greg Herbold and Insane Wayne Croasdale.
Go ahead, give it a spin. You're probably at work, you could use a break...